Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36 Page 37 Page 38 Page 39 Page 40 Page 41 Page 42 Page 43 Page 44 Page 45 Page 46 Page 47 Page 48 Page 49 Page 50 Page 51 Page 52 Page 53 Page 54 Page 55 Page 56 Page 57 Page 58 Page 59 Page 6044 GERMINATION.CA MARCH 2017 2017ACTIVITIESBRINGVALUETOCSTAMEMBERSHIP Did you know? CSTA’s annual meeting is in Halifax, N.S., July 9-11, 2017. More information on the meeting schedule and how to register will be available at cdnseed.org. the seed industry, known as the Seed Synergy Collaboration Project. Each of the groups has been hear- ing from members on their experiences and how the seed system could better work for them. A survey of all mem- bers was launched to better understand the specific challenges they face. We’re very excited about a recent collaboration with the American Seed Trade Association on the Better Seed, Better Life program. Over the next 18 months, CSTA will be speaking with Canadians on the important contribu- tions of seed in our everyday lives and as well as highlighting CSTA members who grow the seed at the start of it all. The program kicked off on Feb. 16, Canada’s first-ever Agriculture Day, with the launch of a first of a series of fact sheets aimed at raising awareness with the public on the many crop kinds produced from seed grown by CSTA members. Looking ahead, plan to join us in Halifax, N.S., for the CSTA's 94th Annual Meeting, July 9-11, 2017. We’re planning a great slate of informa- tive meetings, will honour outstand- ing colleagues at the annual Awards Luncheon, and celebrate success at the closing banquet. The Canadian Seed Growers’ Association will hold meetings in Halifax later in the same week, and planning has started for social and networking events that the two memberships can enjoy together. More information on the meeting schedule and how to register is avail- able at cdnseed.org. We want to hear from our members. Please let us know how we can add value to your membership by contacting me at cdevitt@cdnseed.org or 613-829-9527. THE CANADIAN SEED TRADE ASSOCIATION (CSTA) is planning an ambitious slate of activities in 2017, aimed at advanc- ing the association’s strategic goals and providing value for membership. To start the year, the board of directors was on Parliament Hill for CSTA’s Annual Lobby Day on Feb. 7. This event is an important touchpoint between Members of Parliament and CSTA members and provides the opportunity for CSTA to highlight priorities directly with policymakers. CSTA met with more than 40 Members of Parliament, senators, ministers, political staff and senior-level regula- tors, with more meetings scheduled over the year. We also want to help members feel confident when bringing issues directly to the attention of their local politicians, so we have planned to offer regular government affairs webinars, such as the Jan. 31 “All Politics is Local” event. If you were unable to attend this webinar, a recording is available at cdnseed.org. Strategic planning is the key to positioning CSTA for today and for the future. CSTA’s updated five-year Strategic Plan was approved by the CSTA Board of Directors in early February 2017. Our mission statement: “To foster seed industry innovation and trade” and ensure it is turned into action in five key areas — our regula- tory system, investment in innovation, trade & market access, public trust & industry image, and communication & member services. The seed industry is innovating and advancing faster than regulations can be updated. CSTA has joined five seed-related industry associations to collaborate on a vision for the future of Crosby Devitt, Executive Director CSTA / STRATEGIC PLANNING IS THE KEY TO POSITIONING FOR TODAY AND FOR THE FUTURE / CDNSEED.ORG